Alzheimers Disease Frequently Asked Questions

3. I'm having trouble getting my loved one to eat. What can I do? continued...

Meal guidelines:

• Serve beverages after a meal instead of before or during a meal so that your loved one doesn't feel full before beginning to eat.
• Plan meals to include your loved one's favorite foods.
• Try getting your loved one to eat the high-calorie foods in the meal first.
• Use your imagination to increase the variety of food you're serving. Prepare meals that offer a variety of textures, colors, and temperatures.

Snack guidelines:

• Don't serve foods that provide little or no nutritional value, such as potato chips, candy bars, colas, and other snack foods.
• Choose high-protein and high-calorie snacks.

Dining guidelines:

• Make food preparation an easy task: choose foods that are easy to prepare and eat.
• Make eating a pleasurable experience, not a chore; for example, liven up your meals by using colorful place settings and/or play background music during meals.
• Try not to let your loved one eat alone. If you are unable to eat with your loved one, invite a guest to share their meal.
• Use colorful garnishes such as parsley and red or yellow peppers to make food look more appealing.

4. My mother has Alzheimer's disease, and I've noticed she is getting more confused. How can I help her?

There are several things you can try to help a person who is confused:

• Try to minimize any changes in the surroundings or to your loved one's daily routine. If you have to make changes in routines, do so gradually.
• Follow simple routines and avoid situations that require the person with Alzheimer's disease to make decisions.
• Help your loved one maintain his or her orientation by describing the events for the day, reminding him or her of the date, day, time, place, etc., and repeating the names of the people with whom he or she has contact.
• Try placing large labels (with words or pictures) on drawers and shelves to identify their contents.
• Simplify or re-word your statements or requests if the person doesn't seem to understand.
• Make certain that medications are being taken regularly and at the right times.
• Provide a nutritious diet and encourage your loved one to exercise, if he or she is able.
• Be patient and supportive.

5. Is there anything I can do to help my mother preserve what memory she has left?

Losing cherished memories is one of the devastating consequences of Alzheimer's disease. Some medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease may help slow down memory loss and there are some techniques you can use to help enhance what memory exists.

• Use notes, lists, memos, etc., to help remind the person with Alzheimer's disease of his or her daily tasks.
• Keep photos of family members and friends where the person can see them. Label photos with names, if necessary. Reminisce with him or her about the family, or activities he or she once enjoyed.
• Use memory "tricks"; for example, thinking of the word HOMES to remember the great lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.
• Use labels (with words or pictures) placed on drawers and shelves to identify their contents.
• Limit your loved one's alcohol consumption and try to ensure he or she gets adequate sleep.
• Remind him or her of the date, day, time, place, etc., and repeat the names of the people with whom he or she has contact.
• Encourage your loved one to exercise his or her mind by reading, doing puzzles, writing, etc., as well as to exercise his or her body as appropriate. However, avoid challenging your loved one to the point of frustration.

6. Is it true that researchers are testing hormones as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Reports of lower rates of Alzheimer's disease among women who have already gone through menopause and are taking estrogen have stimulated investigation into the possible preventive effect of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on the development of Alzheimer's disease.

In their initial study, researchers found evidence that the brains of postmenopausal women on ERT age differently and have greater blood flow to areas of the brain involved in memory than do women not receiving hormones. The study findings also suggest that ERT may reduce the risk of brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.

While these findings are promising, other studies have found no decrease in risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Additional research is necessary to better understand the relationship between estrogen, the brain, and Alzheimer's disease. Several studies currently are underway to further evaluate the potential value of ERT for Alzheimer's disease patients.

Note: Because ERT may cause bleeding in the uterus, and its long-term use may be associated with an increased risk of Breast Cancer, ERT is not routinely used in women with Alzheimer's disease. The risks and benefits of ERT must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Previous Page  [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Next Page